King James Version
Genesis 4:12 in the King James Version says “When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.”
Genesis 4:12 · KJV
And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. blood: Heb. bloods
And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;
When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. My: or, Mine iniquity is greater than that it may be forgiven
Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“When”
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“thou tillest”
H5647to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“it shall not henceforth”
H3254to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
“unto thee her strength”
H3581vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
“a fugitive”
H5128to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
“and a vagabond”
H5110to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Genesis 4:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
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